Subject Matter Expert - Evidence-Based Integrative Mental Health

Job Description/Summary:

The School of Mental Health at Sonoran University of Health Sciences is launching a new Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSCMHC) program and is actively seeking Subject Matter Experts (SME) to assist in the development of the online course, Evidence-Based Integrative Mental Health Care. This is a contract role, paying $1,500 per course credit.

The Evidence-Based Integrative Mental Health Care course is offered in the second quarter of the MSCMHC program and through a combination of didactic and experiential learning, this course introduces students to select evidence-based integrative health modalities and systems of care that can enhance and support the mental health and well-being of their future clients while also promoting the student’s own self-care. Students will review the evidence for lifestyle medicine and integrative health care to support mental health in general and mood disorders specifically with a special emphasis on nutrition, dietary and herbal supplements, Mindfulness, meditation, physical activity, and the expressive arts.

Due to the diversity of topics covered, we are seeking more than one subject matter expert to contribute to the development of this course. Please reach out if you have expertise in the evidence-based application of one or more of the following for supporting mental health:

1. Nutrition
2. Dietary and herbal supplements
3. Mindfulness and meditation
4. Physical activity
5. Expressive arts

Preference will be given to applicants who are interested and qualified to teach this course following development.

Subject Matter Experts within the School of Mental Health are critical to the success of Sonoran University’s online programs. They are responsible for leveraging their subject matter expertise to create current and relevant course content and engaging learning experiences. Subject Matter Experts receive supervision and guidance from the dean and/or Program Director along with instructional design support from Sonoran University’s Instructional Support Team. The course development process in the School of Mental Health is a team effort. Subject Matter Experts are responsible for developing course content, and the Instructional Support Team incorporates that content into Canvas, Sonoran University’s Learning Management System.

Please note: Course description, objectives, and select course level assessment plans that align with accreditation standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Program Objectives, and/or Professional Dispositions have already been proposed for all program courses and therefore do not need to be developed by Subject Matter Experts. However, Subject Matter Experts are invited to recommend updates upon initiating course development.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in, and passion for the course subject area, possess online classroom experience, prior clinical practice experience, demonstrate experience with course curriculum development and assessment, and, for those candidates wishing to teach the course after development, a passion for teaching.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide expert knowledge in mental health specific to the course subject area(s).
2. Develop engaging and meaningful learning experiences and current and relevant course content.
3. Develop learning modules that guide students through their educational experience.
4. Author original module content including assessments in alignment with course objectives and in alignment with KPIs, Program Objectives, and accreditation standards. (Select courses may also include assessment of Professional Dispositions).
5. For each weekly course module:
   1. Develop PowerPoint presentations with voiceover recordings,
   2. Create engaging and relevant homework assignments,
   3. Develop interactive discussion board topics that enable students to delve more deeply into the content while building community,
   4. Develop instructional plan for live weekly sessions,
   5. Develop assessments (and corresponding instructions and rubrics) to measure course objectives, KPIs, and accreditation standards, and 
   6. Identify supportive resources and/or reading assignments.
6. Supply instructional support materials, reference items, and supplemental resources.
7. Add richness to the content by offering first-hand field knowledge (anecdotal stories, case studies, best practices, clinical pearls, tips and/or “tricks-of-the-trade”) that support and enhance student learning and engagement.
8. Participate in drafting a schedule for deliverables and commit to meeting all agreed-upon deadlines.
9. Agree to submit deliverables to the Instructional Support Team in adherence with the agreed upon course development schedule. Deliverables may include recorded lectures, assignments, assignment instructions, rubrics, and/or resources like book chapters, articles, websites, or videos.
10. Commit to periodic check-in meetings with supervisor, IST, and/or peer review team to refine course content, discuss revisions, and make improvements.
11. Provide a final review of the course to ensure that it meets expected academic rigor and course objectives are met.

Experience and attributes:

1. Experience as a clinician, researcher, and/or educator in a related field.
2. Previous course development experience, preferably in an online setting at a college or university.
3. Demonstrated ability to design, develop, and deliver new course content including course assessments.
4. Demonstrated ability to use innovative teaching and learning strategies and methods.
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proper use of APA guidelines.
6. Previous teaching experience preferably in an online setting at a college or university.
7. Familiarity within online teaching and/or a desire to learn new technological approaches to education.
8. Experience using the Canvas Learning Management system a plus.
9. A positive attitude, a sense of humor, honesty, and the ability to inspire.
10. Commitment to academic integrity, high academic standards, diversity and intercultural understanding, experiential learning, and continued professional development.

Qualifications:

1. A minimum of a master’s level degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Preferred Education: Doctorate level degree or other terminal degree in a clinical health care or related field.

Technology requirement:

Course developers/SMEs are expected to have a personal computer with internet access and virus protection. Sonoran University provides a Sonoran University email account and password protected access to faculty sections of the LMS and website and additional faculty resources and tools.

Working environment:

This position is remote/online. Subject to extensive periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse. Regular activities require the ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Frequent communication with internal and external individuals is required to perform essential functions.

Background/screening:

All employees at Sonoran University undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.

Sonoran University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Sonoran University is a Smoke-Free campus.

Documents needed to apply:

1. Cover letter clearly indicating which of the following topic(s) align with your interest and expertise:
   1. Nutrition
   2. Dietary and herbal supplements
   3. Mindfulness and meditation
   4. Physical activity
   5. Expressive arts
2. Resume/CV